Coccidioidomycosis Skin Testing in a Commercially Insured Population, United States, 2014-20171.

Coccidioidomycosis skin testing appears to be uncommon, based on US health insurance claims data. Patient demographic features were consistent with the approval of the test for adults, but few patients had previous coccidioidomycosis diagnosis codes supporting its use for detecting delayed-type hypersensitivity in those with a history of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Suspected Locally Acquired Coccidioidomycosis in Human, Spokane, Washington, USA.

The full geographic range of coccidioidomycosis is unknown, although it is most likely expanding with environmental change. We report an apparently autochthonous coccidioidomycosis patient from Spokane, Washington, USA, a location to which Coccidioides spp. are not known to be endemic.

COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities - United States, February-April 2020.

An estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults are housed within approximately 5,000 correctional and detention facilities† on any given day (1). Many facilities face significant challenges in controlling the spread of highly infectious pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Such challenges include crowded dormitories, shared lavatories, limited medical and isolation resources, daily entry and exit of staff members and visitors, continual introduction of newly incarcerated or detained persons, and transport of incarcerated or detained persons in multiperson vehicles for court-related, medical, or security reasons (2,3). During April 22-28, 2020, aggregate data on COVID-19 cases were reported to CDC by 37 of 54 state and territorial health department jurisdictions. Thirty-two (86%) jurisdictions reported at least one laboratory-confirmed case from a total of 420 correctional and detention facilities. Among these facilities, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 4,893 incarcerated or detained persons and 2,778 facility staff members, resulting in 88 deaths in incarcerated or detained persons and 15 deaths among staff members. Prompt identification of COVID-19 cases and consistent application of prevention measures, such as symptom screening and quarantine, are critical to protecting incarcerated and detained persons and staff members.

Antibiotic and antifungal treatment among persons with confirmed coccidioidomycosis - Southern California, 2011.

We investigated coccidioidomycosis testing and treatment patterns among persons in an integrated healthcare delivery system to identify gaps in diagnosis and treatment. Coccidioidomycosis diagnosis delays were common. Among persons who tested positive, 70% were prescribed antibiotics before positive coccidioidomycosis tests. Antibiotic treatment decreased and antifungal treatment increased after positive testing.

The detection of Coccidioides from ambient air in Phoenix, Arizona: Evidence of uneven distribution and seasonality.

Coccidioidomycosis is a debilitating fungal disease caused by inhalation of arthroconidia. We developed a novel approach for detection of airborne Coccidioides and used it to investigate the distribution of arthroconidia across the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area. Air filters were collected daily from 21 stationary air-sampling units across the area: the first set collected before, during and after a large dust storm on August 25, 2015, and the second over the 45-day period September 25-November 8, 2016. Analysis of DNA extracted from the filters demonstrated that the day of the dust storm was not associated with increase of Coccidioides in air samples, although evidence of the low-level polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibition was observed in DNA extracted from samples collected on the day of the dust storm. Testing over 45 days identified uneven geographic distribution suggesting Coccidioides hot spots. In 2016, highest daily concentration of arthroconidia was observed between September 25-October 20, and only sporadic low levels were detected after that. These results provide evidence of seasonality and uneven spatial distribution of Coccidioides in the air. Our results demonstrate that routine air monitoring for arthroconidia is possible and provides an important tool for Coccidioides surveillance, which can address important questions about environmental exposure and human infection.

Re-drawing the Maps for Endemic Mycoses.

Endemic mycoses such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, and talaromycosis are well-known causes of focal and systemic disease within specific geographic areas of known endemicity. However, over the past few decades, there have been increasingly frequent reports of infections due to endemic fungi in areas previously thought to be "non-endemic." There are numerous potential reasons for this shift such as increased use of immune suppressive medications, improved diagnostic tests, increased disease recognition, and global factors such as migration, increased travel, and climate change. Regardless of the causes, it has become evident that our previous understanding of endemic regions for these fungal diseases needs to evolve. The epidemiology of the newly described Emergomyces is incomplete; our understanding of it continues to evolve. This review will focus on the evidence underlying the established areas of endemicity for these mycoses as well as new data and reports from medical literature that support the re-thinking these geographic boundaries. Updating the endemic fungi maps would inform clinical practice and global surveillance of these diseases.

Utility of Whole-Genome Sequencing to Ascertain Locally Acquired Cases of Coccidioidomycosis, Washington, USA.

Coccidioidomycosis is an emerging fungal infection in Washington, USA, and the epidemiology of the disease in this state is poorly understood. We used whole-genome sequencing to differentiate locally acquired cases in Washington on the basis of the previously identified phylogeographic population structure of Coccidioides spp. Clinical isolates from coccidioidomycosis cases involving possible Washington soil exposure were included. Of 17 human infections with epidemiologic evidence of possible local acquisition, 4 were likely locally acquired infections and 13 were likely acquired outside Washington. Isolates from locally acquired cases clustered within the previously established Washington clade of C. immitis. Genetic differences among these strains suggest multiple environmental reservoirs of C. immitis in the state.

Interlaboratory agreement of coccidioidomycosis enzyme immunoassay from two different manufacturers.

Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection endemic to the Southwestern United States, is challenging to diagnose. The coccidioidomycosis enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test is the least expensive and simplest to perform to detect coccidioidomycosis antibodies in the serum. Concerns regarding falsely positive immunoglobulin (Ig) M EIA test results have led to questions about the agreement of commercially available EIA test kits among laboratories. We sought to evaluate the laboratory agreement of the EIA test at three laboratories using both IMMY and Meridian EIA test kits. Sensitivity and specificity of EIA IgM and IgG were calculated as secondary outcomes. The percent agreement of the EIA IgM and IgG test results among all three laboratories was 90% and 89% for IMMY test kits, respectively, and 67% and 80.5% for Meridian test kits, respectively. Agreement between IgM and IgG combined test results was 85.5% and 70.5%, for IMMY and Meridian, respectively. Combined IgM and IgG assays demonstrated a sensitivity of 68% (62.7%-76%) and a specificity of 99.3% (98%-100%) [IMMY] and a sensitivity of 72.4% (57.3%-87.3%) and a specificity of 91.3% (74%-100%) [Meridian]. In summary, results from the IMMY EIA test kit agreed more often across laboratories than Meridian EIA results, especially for the IgM assay. Isolated positive IgM EIA results using the Meridian test kit should be interpreted with caution and consideration of clinical information and test methodology. Further study of the sensitivity and specificity of coccidioidomycosis EIA test kits is warranted.

Update on the Epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis in the United States.

The incidence of reported coccidioidomycosis in the past two decades has increased greatly; monitoring its changing epidemiology is essential for understanding its burden on patients and the healthcare system and for identifying opportunities for prevention and education. We provide an update on recent coccidioidomycosis trends and public health efforts nationally and in Arizona, California, and Washington State. In Arizona, enhanced surveillance shows that coccidioidomycosis continues to be associated with substantial morbidity. California reported its highest yearly number of cases ever in 2016 and has implemented interventions to reduce coccidioidomycosis in the prison population by excluding certain inmates from residing in prisons in high-risk areas. Coccidioidomycosis is emerging in Washington State, where phylogenetic analyses confirm the existence of a unique Coccidioides clade. Additional studies of the molecular epidemiology of Coccidioides will improve understanding its expanding endemic range. Ongoing public health collaborations and future research priorities are focused on characterizing geographic risk, particularly in the context of environmental change; identifying further risk reduction strategies for high-risk groups; and improving reporting of cases to public health agencies.

Coccidioidomycosis Outbreaks, United States and Worldwide, 1940-2015.

Coccidioidomycosis causes substantial illness and death in the United States each year. Although most cases are sporadic, outbreaks provide insight into the clinical and environmental features of coccidioidomycosis, high-risk activities, and the geographic range of Coccidioides fungi. We identified reports published in English of 47 coccidioidomycosis outbreaks worldwide that resulted in 1,464 cases during 1940-2015. Most (85%) outbreaks were associated with environmental exposures; the 2 largest outbreaks resulted from an earthquake and a large dust storm. More than one third of outbreaks occurred in areas where the fungus was not previously known to be endemic, and more than half of outbreaks involved occupational exposures. Coccidioidomycosis outbreaks can be difficult to detect and challenging to prevent given the unknown effectiveness of environmental control methods and personal protective equipment; therefore, increased awareness of coccidioidomycosis outbreaks is needed among public health professionals, healthcare providers, and the public.

Enhanced Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, 14 US States, 2016.

Although coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California has been well-characterized, much remains unknown about its epidemiology in states where it is not highly endemic. We conducted enhanced surveillance in 14 such states in 2016 by identifying cases according to the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists case definition and interviewing patients about their demographic characteristics, clinical features, and exposures. Among 186 patients, median time from seeking healthcare to diagnosis was 38 days (range 1-1,654 days); 70% had another condition diagnosed before coccidioidomycosis testing occurred (of whom 83% were prescribed antibacterial medications); 43% were hospitalized; and 29% had culture-positive coccidioidomycosis. Most (83%) patients from nonendemic states had traveled to a coccidioidomycosis-endemic area. Coccidioidomycosis can cause severe disease in residents of non-highly endemic states, a finding consistent with previous studies in Arizona, and less severe cases likely go undiagnosed or unreported. Improved coccidioidomycosis awareness in non-highly endemic areas is needed.

Notes from the Field: Increase in Coccidioidomycosis - California, 2016.

Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley Fever, is an infectious disease caused by inhalation of Coccidioides spp. spores (1). This soil-dwelling fungus is endemic in the southwestern United States, with most (97%) U.S. cases reported from Arizona and California (1,2). Following an incubation period of 1-3 weeks, symptomatic patients most often experience self-limited, influenza-like symptoms, but coccidioidomycosis also can lead to severe pulmonary disease and to rare cases of disseminated disease, including meningitis (1). Those at increased risk for severe disease include persons of African or Filipino descent, pregnant women, adults in older age groups, and persons with weakened immune systems (1). In 2016, a large increase in coccidioidomycosis incidence was observed in California compared with previous years (3). Using data reported by health care providers and laboratories via local health departments to the California Department of Public Health as of May 9, 2017, incidence rates were calculated by estimated year of illness onset as the number of confirmed coccidioidomycosis cases per 100,000 population (3). Estimated year of illness onset was extracted from the closest date to the time when symptoms first appeared for each patient. From 1995, when coccidioidomycosis became an individually reportable disease in California, to 2009, annual incidence rates ranged from 1.9 to 8.4 per 100,000, followed by a substantial increase to 11.9 per 100,000 in 2010 and a peak of 13.8 per 100,000 in 2011 (Figure). Annual rates decreased during 2012-2014, but increased in 2016 to 13.7 per 100,000, with 5,372 reported cases, the highest annual number of cases in California recorded to date.

Update on Multistate Outbreak of Fungal Infections Associated with Contaminated Methylprednisolone Injections, 2012-2014.

During September 2012, CDC, in collaboration with state and local health departments and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), investigated a multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis and other infections caused by injections of contaminated methylprednisolone acetate solution (MPA). After this unprecedented outbreak, scientists in the CDC Mycotic Diseases Branch, along with infectious diseases specialists who cared for patients from the outbreak, clinical experts, and public health officials from affected states, have continued to monitor the recovery of affected patients. A long-term follow-up study involving these patients was initiated and is being conducted by the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSGERC). This update summarizes subsequent information about the current state of the outbreak.

Fungal Pathogens as Causes of Acute Respiratory Illness in Hospitalized Veterans: Frequency of Fungal Positive Test Results Using Rapid Immunodiagnostic Assays.

Fungal respiratory illnesses caused by endemic mycoses can be nonspecific and are often mistaken for viral or bacterial infections. We performed fungal testing on serum specimens from patients hospitalized with acute respiratory illness (ARI) to assess the possible role of endemic fungi as etiologic agents. Patients hospitalized with ARI at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Houston, Texas, during November 2016-August 2017 were enrolled. Epidemiologic and clinical data, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples for viral testing (PCR), and serum specimens were collected at admission. We retrospectively tested remnant sera from a subset of patients with negative initial viral testing using immunoassays for the detection of Coccidioides and Histoplasma antibodies (Ab) and Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Histoplasma antigens (Ag). Of 224 patient serum specimens tested, 49 (22%) had positive results for fungal pathogens, including 30 (13%) by Coccidioides immunodiagnostic assays, 19 (8%) by Histoplasma immunodiagnostic assays, 2 (1%) by Aspergillus Ag, and none by Cryptococcus Ag testing. A high proportion of veterans hospitalized with ARI had positive serological results for fungal pathogens, primarily endemic mycoses, which cause fungal pneumonia. The high proportion of Coccidioides positivity is unexpected as this fungus is not thought to be common in southeastern Texas or metropolitan Houston, though is known to be endemic in southwestern Texas. Although serological testing suffers from low specificity, these results suggest that these fungi may be more common causes of ARI in southeast Texas than commonly appreciated and more increased clinical evaluation may be warranted.

Dietary and socioeconomic risk factors for fumonisin exposure among women of reproductive age in 18 municipalities in Guatemala from 2013 to 2014.

Fumonisin exposure is common in populations where maize is a dietary staple, such as in Guatemala, and has been associated with negative health outcomes including neural tube defects. The objective of this study was to estimate fumonisin B1 (FB1) exposure among Guatemalan reproductive-age women and develop a better understanding of the dietary and sociodemographic risk factors for exposure. A cross-sectional study in 18 municipalities in Guatemala was conducted. Midwives and study nurses enrolled consenting women and collected individual and household demographic and socioeconomic data. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to estimate quantity and types of food products consumed. A urine sample was collected and urinary fumonisin B1 (uFB1) concentration was measured. A univariable analysis was conducted to identify predictors of low/high uFB1. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 775 women had analyzable urine samples. Higher uFB1 levels were associated with speaking Mayan (OR = 2.33, 95% CI:1.44-3.77), less than high school education (OR = 1.61, 95% CI:1.12-2.30), increasing dietary proportion of maize-based foods (OR = 1.02, 95% CI:1.01-1.03), and consumption of tostadas (fried tortillas) (OR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.02-1.22). Lower uFB1 levels were associated with consumption of highly processed maize-based foods (OR = 0.93, 95% CI:0.87-0.99). Tortillas were the most frequently consumed maize-based food among study participants and significantly associated with high uFB1 exposure in the univariable but not multivariable analysis. Consumption of >4,750 grams/week of maize-based foods, >5,184 g/week of locally produced maize-based foods, and >110 servings/week of tortillas were also significantly associated with high uFB1 exposure in univariable analysis. Populations with low socioeconomic status/education levels and high consumption of maize-based foods had higher fumonisin exposure. Interventions aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to mycotoxins through maize in Guatemala, including the increased consumption of non-maize-based foods, should be further explored.

Using soil survey data to model potential Coccidioides soil habitat and inform Valley fever epidemiology.

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is a disease that can result in substantial illness and death. It is most common in the southwestern United States and areas of Latin America with arid climates, though reports increasingly suggest its range is wider than previously recognized. The natural habitat of the causative organisms, Coccidioides spp., have been associated with certain soil properties and climatic conditions. Current understanding of its geographic range is primarily defined by skin test studies and outbreak locations. We developed a fuzzy system model to predict suitable soil habitats for Coccidioides across the western United States based on parameters (electrical conductivity, organic matter content, pH, water holding capacity, temperature, and precipitation) from sites where soil sampling has confirmed the presence of Coccidioides. The model identified high coccidioidomycosis incidence areas as having high suitability and identified pockets of elevated suitability corresponding with outbreak locations outside the traditional range. By providing high-resolution estimates of Coccidioides suitability, including areas without public health surveillance for coccidioidomycosis, this model may be able to aid public health and clinical provider decision making. Awareness of possible Coccidioides soil habitats could help mitigate risk during soil-disturbing activities and help providers improve coccidioidomycosis diagnosis and treatment.

Factors Influencing Distribution of Coccidioides immitis in Soil, Washington State, 2016.

Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are causative agents of Valley fever, a serious fungal disease endemic to regions with hot, arid climate in the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. The environmental niche of Coccidioides spp. is not well defined, and it remains unknown whether these fungi are primarily associated with rodents or grow as saprotrophs in soil. To better understand the environmental reservoir of these pathogens, we used a systematic soil sampling approach, quantitative PCR (qPCR), culture, whole-genome sequencing, and soil chemical analysis to identify factors associated with the presence of C. immitis at a known colonization site in Washington State linked to a human case in 2010. We found that the same strain colonized an area of over 46,000 m2 and persisted in soil for over 6 years. No association with rodent burrows was observed, as C. immitis DNA was as likely to be detected inside rodent holes as it was in the surrounding soil. In addition, the presence of C. immitis DNA in soil was correlated with elevated levels of boron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and silicon in soil leachates. We also observed differences in the microbial communities between C. immitis-positive and -negative soils. Our artificial soil inoculation experiments demonstrated that C. immitis can use soil as a sole source of nutrients. Taken together, these results suggest that soil parameters need to be considered when modeling the distribution of this fungus in the environment. IMPORTANCE Coccidioidomycosis is considered a highly endemic disease for which geographic range is likely to expand from climate change. A better understanding of the ecological niche of Coccidioides spp. is essential for generating accurate distribution maps and predicting future changes in response to the changing environment. Our study used a systematic sampling strategy, advanced molecular detection methods, and soil chemical analysis to identify environmental factors associated with the presence of C. immitis in soil. Our results demonstrate the fungus can colonize the same areas for years and is associated with chemical and microbiological soil characteristics. Our results suggest that in addition to climate parameters, soil characteristics need to be considered when building habitat distribution models for this pathogen.

But will I be re-elected? What happens to local level policy makers who support clean indoor air laws?

This research was conducted to determine the impact of voting for clean indoor air ordinance on a local-level policy maker's re-election status. Secondary data were used to identify local tobacco ordinances in Arizona proposed between 2001 and 2005, score ordinance content for comprehensiveness, identify policy makers who voted and how they voted, and determine if the measure passed or failed. Participation in and outcomes of subsequent elections were documented from public records. Ninety-two local-level policy makers in 15 local jurisdictions considered clean indoor air laws between 2001 and 2005. Policy makers who voted for these ordinances were more likely to be re-elected than those who voted against them. Structured interviews revealed that policy makers did not believe the issue had an impact on re-election results and believed that although the issue may have been contentious, it was no longer salient in the community.

Long-term Outcomes of Patients With Fungal Infections Associated With Contaminated Methylprednisolone Injections.

BACKGROUND: The largest health care-associated infection outbreak in the United States occurred during 2012-2013. Following injection of contaminated methylprednisolone, 753 patients developed infection with a dematiaceous mold, Exserohilum rostratum. The long-term outcomes of these infections have not been described. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of 440 of a total of 753 patients with proven or probable Exserohilum infection evaluated clinical and radiographic findings, antifungal therapy and associated adverse effects, and outcomes at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after diagnosis. Patients were grouped into 4 disease categories: meningitis with/without stroke, spinal or paraspinal infections, meningitis/stroke plus spinal/paraspinal infections, and osteoarticular infections. RESULTS: Among the 440 patients, 223 (51%) had spinal/paraspinal infection, 82 (19%) meningitis/stroke, 123 (28%) both, and 12 (3%) osteoarticular infection. Of 82 patients with meningitis/stroke, 18 (22%) died; among those surviving, 87% were cured at 12 months. Only 7 (3%) of 223 patients with spinal/paraspinal infection died, but at 12 months, 68% had persistent or worsening pain and only 47% were cured. For the 123 patients with both meningitis/stroke and spinal/paraspinal infection, 10 (8%) died, pain persisted in 72%, and 52% were cured at 12 months. Only 37% of those with osteoarticular infection were cured at 12 months. Adverse events from antifungal therapy were noted at 6 weeks in 71% of patients on voriconazole and 81% on amphotericin B. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infections related to contaminated methylprednisolone injections culminated in death in 8% of patients. Persistent pain and disability were seen at 12 months in most patients with spinal/paraspinal infections.